Asheville Highway Animal Clinic was founded in 1979 by Dr. Joseph Kendrick and his late wife of 50 years, Gloria Kendrick.
Dr. Joseph Kendrick, originally from Sanford, FL, graduated from Knoxville College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Knoxville College. Following graduation while working for Oak Ridge National Laboratories doing research, he became interested in becoming a veterinarian and decided to go to Vet School in Alabama. While he was earning his veterinary degree, his devoted wife, Gloria, worked as a school teacher. Dr. Joe, affectionately known as “Papa Joe” returned to Knoxville in 1972 working with Dr. Thomas Crawford at Animal Medical Clinic on Magnolia. Papa Joe had the strong desire to open his own clinic. With the support of his wife, “Mama Glo”, Asheville Highway Animal Clinic opened in 1979.
From the very beginning, their sons, Dr. Brian Kendrick and Dr. Ricardo “Rick” Kendrick, were involved in the practice by working in the kennel and assisting their dad however possible. Later, they both officially joined the practice as veterinarians in 1999 and 2001, respectively. Dr. Brian met his wife, Dr. Reichla Kendrick, in vet school and she also became part of the team in 2000 after graduation. Following the sudden passing of Dr. Brian Kendrick in 2005, Dr. Rick’s wife, Melba, joined as the Practice Manager in 2006. In 2008, AHAH was proud to add Dr. Lori Baxter to the practice to continue its legacy of compassionate and high-quality care. All of our veterinarians are proud graduates of Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in Tuskegee, Alabama.
AHAH has remained family-oriented and focused on building strong partnerships with clients to provide exceptional, comprehensive, and budget-friendly medicine for pets.
